Red Hot GU advance to FA Cup semis
Larona Makhaiza | Monday May 8, 2023 16:00
On the 15th minute, goalkeeper Ookeditse Semelamela nearly handed Fighters a goal as he slipped and fell trying to clear the ball. However, luck was on his side as the ball missed the target by a few inches and went out for a corner. After enjoying possession for more than 20 minutes, Sizwe Twala broke the deadlock with the first shot on target for GU in the game. Twala scored from a rolling ball inside the box after it was knocked around a couple of times. The ever present Thatayaone Kgamanyane nearly put his name on the score sheet on the 28th through a header which went narrowly over the bar.
A minute later, Mpho Kgaswane put in a well laid pass for Karabo Phiri who failed to compose himself and place the ball well. For most part of the game, Fighters were sitting back. Thero Setsile got his team’s second on the 37th minute. Setsile faced the substitute goalkeeper, Phemelo Ramphala one-on-one and showed his class by easily composing himself and put it in the back of the net. Four minutes into the second half, Kgamanyane was brought down inside the box and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. For winning the penalty Kgamanyane raised his hand to take the penalty which he scored with ease in the end. Two minutes later Twala got his brace to put the Red Machine four goals up.
Twala exquisitely placed the ball at the top corner which left Ramphala dazed. In the second half, Fighters still could not contain GU. As if it was not bad enough for Fighters, Darius Ramere handled a ball inside the box and the referee pointed at the spot once more. This time it was captain Kgaswane who stood up and easily converted. On the 84th minute, substitute Ronel Manyanga had an instant impact and scored a cracker from the edge of the box to make it 6-0. Meanwhile assistant coach, Steven Maposa, revealed that he was not really surprised and expected a win. “It was a game we expected, and we expected to do what we did without taking anything away from the opponents as they are a good side,” Maposa said.
The teams:
Gaborone United: Ookeditse Semelamela, Kennedy Amutenya, Karabo Phiri (Omphile Ramoagi), Tshepo Maikano, Thobo Seeleko, Thero Setsile, Mothusi Cooper, Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Onkabetse Makgantai), Sizwe Twala (Ronel Manyanga), Mpho Kgaswane (Obonwe Maome), Mothusi Johnson.
Mogoditshane Fighters: Onneile Ditshito (Phemelo Ramphala), Darius Ramere, Daniel Taboka, Phenyo Lebopo, Oabona Mangope, Thapelo Babedi (Koketso Mokgatitswane), Othusegile Botsetswe, Goitsemodimo Dipateletso, Thabang Sendu (Tebogo Mogotsi), Morapedi Kengaletswe, Thuso Keraetswe.
Gaborone United 6 (Twala 23rd, 52th, Setsile 37th, Kgamanyane (pen) 50th, Kgaswane (pen) 61th, Manyanga 84th) Mogoditshane Fighters 0